Severe weather headed toward Genesee County

FLINT, MI -- A severe thunderstorm was reported west of Genesee County, expected to hit the county Wednesday afternoon, June 18.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Shiawassee County.

The National Weather Service estimated that the storms would be in Jackson, Flint and Saginaw areas between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Radar showed a bow echo to the storms, the radar signature of a squall line that "bows out" as winds descend behind the line and circulations develop on either end. The strongest winds in a line of severe storms are usually right in the center of that curve.

There is a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m. for Genesee County, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS says the strongest storms will be capable of producing wind gusts of 70 mph and hail larger than 1-inch in diameter.

There also is a risk for isolated tornadoes as the storms move east at 40 mph, the NWS said.